Elections

Lawrence County, Ohio, had 41,268 registered voters as of 2023. The county conducts primary and general elections, with recent turnout near 45%. Major parties—Republican and Democrat—dominate local races. In the 2020 presidential election, 75% voted Republican, 23% Democrat. There are 47 polling locations managed by the Lawrence County Board of Elections. Key ballot issues in recent years include school levies and infrastructure funding. Election administration is overseen by a bipartisan board. Voters can check their polling place and status online through the county’s official website.

Education, Employment and Housing

Lawrence County, OH, has 9 public high schools serving approximately 2,500 students, with 89% graduating. About 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below Ohio’s average. The county’s average public school math proficiency score is 63%, and reading is 65%. Adult education opportunities are provided by Collins Career Technical Center. School safety initiatives include resource officers and anti-bullying programs. Educational programs emphasize STEM, vocational, and college credit courses. Overall, while test scores are average, continued focus on expanding advanced offerings and improving adult education persists.

As of 2022, Lawrence County, OH, had an employment rate of approximately 53.8%. The largest employment sectors are health care and social assistance (23.6%), manufacturing (12.4%), and retail trade (12.2%). Most workers are employed in office/administrative support (14.9%), production (13.2%), and sales roles (10.5%). About 77% of residents commute outside the county for work, mainly to Cabell County, WV, and Boyd County, KY, with a mean one-way commute time of 25.7 minutes.

Lawrence County, OH, has a homeownership rate of around 72%, with median home values near $115,000 and median gross rents at $700 per month. The housing market trends show modest appreciation, with property values rising about 3% year-over-year. Housing types include single-family homes, apartments, and some mobile homes, with popular neighborhoods in Ironton and Proctorville. Property tax rates average 1.2%, making the area relatively affordable. The county offers a balanced mix of ownership and rental options, catering to diverse residents in both urban and rural settings.

Demographics

As of 2022, Lawrence County, OH has a population of approximately 58,000. The median age is about 41 years, with 21% under 18 and 19% 65 or older. Females make up 51%, males 49%. The county is predominantly White (94%), with Black or African Americans at 2%, and Hispanic or Latino at 1%. Other races and ethnicities account for the remaining 3%.

County Crime & Safety

Lawrence County, OH, reports a crime rate below the national average, with recent statistics showing approximately 11.2 crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent crime is relatively low, at about 2.6 per 1,000 people, while property crime is higher, at roughly 8.6 per 1,000 people. The sheriff’s office actively encourages community vigilance and regularly updates crime reporting portals. Overall, Lawrence County is considered safer than 62% of U.S. counties, and law enforcement continues to prioritize both prevention and public awareness initiatives to maintain and improve safety rates.